Response Funds Available for Nonprofits

Publication date: 
March, 2020

Find COVID-19 Response Funds from CCP Members and other funders. Click on the links in the side bar for additional COVID-19 resources. Find regular Grants and RFPs here >>

Funds Actively Granting | Funds for Individuals | Other Funder Responses | Funds Currently Not Granting 


COVID-19 FUNDS ACTIVELY GRANTING

Connecticut Community Foundation; United Way of Greater Waterbury
CONSIDERED ON ROLLING BASIS: COVID-19 Response Fund >>
The new fund is designed to be flexible and nimble in action to support trusted, frontline community organizations that meet the basic needs of local residents in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.

William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund
ROLLING BASIS: COVID-19 Response Grants >>
The Foundation invites applications for funding to give urgent support to our communities. This support could include crisis response that addresses the physical, social, emotional wellbeing and safety of those most affected by racism and poverty.

Greenwich United Way
CONSIDERED ON ROLLING BASIS: Greenwich COVID-19 Community Relief >>
This fund provides disaster relief and recovery efforts for Greenwich residents experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Grant applications are still being accepted for non-profit local agencies supporting relevant relief efforts. Grant applications are still being accepted for non-profit local agencies supporting relevant relief efforts and can be submitted to Robert Moore at rmoore@greenwichunitedway.org

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
CONSIDERED ON ROLLING BASIS: Grants for the remainder of 2020 >>
For the remainder of 2020, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s COVID-19 Response Fund will transition from a focus on emergency response to keeping nonprofit staff and clients safe during the re-opening phase of the COVID-19 crisis.

Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation and United Way of Meriden and Wallingford (non-members)
ROLLING BASIS: Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation Coronavirus Response Fund >>
This fund will allow these Meriden and Wallingford agencies and non-profits to mobilize and respond quickly to the growing needs of the community to ensure people have access to basic resources such as housing, food, energy assistance and health services.

City of New Haven’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Arts Council of Greater New Haven
ROLLING BASIS: New Haven CREATES Relief Fund >>
The New Haven Creative Sector Relief Fund will distribute immediate financial assistance to individual creatives and arts institutions most impacted by the Coronavirus 2019. Applicants can apply on a rolling basis to receive up to $1,000 based on their financial situation, with a priority for low-income individuals and small-budget arts organizations.

The Prosperity Foundation
ON-GOING: COVID-19 Grants >>
Small non-profit organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000 are invited to submit an RFP. Due to the health, economic, and educational disparities the Coronavirus has had on Black Communities, organizations with a program focus on making an impact in the areas of education, health, and economics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Yale Community for New Haven Fund
ON GOING: Yale Community for New Haven Fund >>
Through the new fund, Yale will support the delivery of healthcare, assistance to local businesses, community educational needs, and area not-for-profits focused on such pressing issues as the well-being of children and families, homelessness, and food insecurity.  The fund will focus initially on agencies providing healthcare and basic-needs services to those most affected by COVID-19.     


FUNDS FOR INDIVIDUALS

City of New Haven’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Arts Council of Greater New Haven
ROLLING BASIS: New Haven CREATES Relief Fund >>
The New Haven Creative Sector Relief Fund will distribute immediate financial assistance to individual creatives and arts institutions most impacted by the Coronavirus 2019. Applicants can apply on a rolling basis to receive up to $1,000 based on their financial situation, with a priority for low-income individuals and small-budget arts organizations.

Operation Hope on behalf of the Town of Fairfield
ROLLING BASIS: Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund >>
To provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Intended use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus.

Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM)
ONGOING: Neighbor Safety Net Fund >>
AIM's Neighbor Safety Net Fund distributions are earmarked for those who have lost jobs, had their work hours reduced, or are otherwise struggling because of pandemic-related hardships.  


OTHER FUNDER RESPONSES

Many other foundations are responding to this crisis. The following organizations have shared how they are responding.

Connecticut Mirror
(5/26/20) The Connecticut Mirror is offering digital advertising to Connecticut nonprofits at no charge. A dedicated 300 x 250 advertising slot will be available on their website for nonprofit digital fundraising ads from June 1 through August 31. All nonprofit ads that run as part of this campaign will rotate in this slot. Interested nonprofits should forward a 300x250 KB ad and a destination link to publisher@ctmirror.org. CT Mirror ad guidelines are available at https://ctmirror.org/advertising-and-sponsorship/

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford
(3/26/20) The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford and the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and have established the Jewish Hartford Rapid Relief and Recovery Fund to address urgent community needs in the wake of COVID-19. Initially, the Fund will provide financial and human resources to help community partners.

Middlesex United Way
In response to COVID-19, Middlesex United Way has launched the 2020 ALICE Fund, a direct assistance fund, to ensure individuals and families in Middlesex County who are affected by the pandemic receive the much-needed support they need.

NewAlliance Foundation
(4/10/20) The NewAlliance Foundation is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with an accelerated grant cycle and expedited process, allowing flexibility in expenditure of grants awarded in March, and other supports. Learn more >> 

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County
(3/20/20) Neighbors in Need Emergency Fund >>
Through the local fund and its statewide efforts, United Way is donating nearly $200,000 across Fairfield County to aid those hardest hit, with support ranging from virtual tutoring to basic needs like food, rent, and utilities. 


COVID-19 FUNDS CURRENTLY NOT GRANTING

Academy of American Poets, Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, and National Book Foundation
AUGUST 7: Literary Arts Emergency Fund >>
Because recent financial losses experienced by literary nonprofit organizations and publishers have been substantial and emergency relief is limited, libraries, museums, book arts organizations, literacy organizations, humanities councils, centers for the book, residencies, playwriting organizations, author’s homes, and organizations devoted to championing the legacy of an individual writer are ineligible. Only applications from literary arts organizations and publishers based in U.S. states, territories, or Tribal lands will be considered.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Deadline has passed: Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund>>
Rapid modest grants are available to those organizations working on the frontlines of the pandemic. Grants will be awarded for basic needs such as rent, food, infant supplies (diapers and formula) utilities (heat, gas) medication, child care. The Northwest Corner Gives: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund is made possible by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund, The Making Cents Fund, Nolin Selby Fund, and The Women & Girls Fund, through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Melville Charitable Trust and through generous gifts from community members, and anonymous, and discretionary Community Foundation funds.

Community Food Funders
AUGUST 31: Application deadline: CFF 2020 Food Movement Support >>
Community Food Funders (CFF) is a network of foundations in the NY-NJ-CT area that support organizations building a just food system. The Fund will support smaller organizations led by people most impacted by food injustice who are working towards systems change and within the long-term struggle for an equitable food system. Fourteen one-time emergency grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to grassroots organizations working across food justice sectors. Although organizations may be involved in direct aid, the Fund will prioritize organizations currently involved in campaigns, advocacy and organizing for systems change.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and United Way of Greater New Haven
Applications are currently not being accepted: Greater New Haven COVID-19 Community Fund >>
The Community Foundation will work in partnership with United Way of Greater New Haven to proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisors and recommend final awards. Subsequent funding rounds are anticipated based on the availability of funding.

Catalyst Giving Circle of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
AUGUST 24: Proposal deadline: 2020 Catalyst Fund - Impact on Arts Organizations>>
The Foundation’s annual Catalyst Giving Circle is accepting grant applications with requests of up to $3,000 each from small to mid-sized arts organizations with revenue of $500,000 or less. The Catalyst grant will focus on helping organizations adapt their business model and practices to continue successful operations in the current climate.  

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
AUGUST 31: Letter of Intent deadline: Emergency Community Initiative Fund >>
Given the impact of COVID-19, CFGNB will have an additional round of grants this year.

Community Foundation of Middlesex County
ROLLING PROCESS: Live Local Give Local Emergency Fund Grants Program >>
This fund will support nonprofit organizations, schools, or local town services in Middlesex County. Given the unique nature of current events, grant applications that focus on established programs and services addressing immediate and basic needs will be the priority at this time. In the future, if funding allows, requests for support for mid‐to‐long term recovery and rebuilding efforts after COVID‐19 will be considered.

Connecticut Office of the Arts
JUNE 3: Application deadline: CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant for Connecticut Arts Organizations >>
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA), with funding allocated through the CARES Act, is providing emergency funding for non-profit arts organizations that have been adversely impacted by the (COVID-19) pandemic. CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants are intended to retain jobs and support arts organizations as they endure economic hardships caused by modified, cancelled, or forced closure of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connecticut United Ways (15 independent United Ways in CT)
COVID-19 Response Fund >>
Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund will get cash into the hands of people who are financially struggling as a result of the pandemic. Individuals must contact their town's Social Services office to access information on eligibility for available funds. Learn more >>

Fairfield County's Community Foundation
CONSIDERED ON ROLLING BASIS: Fairfield County COVID-19 Resiliency Fund >>
The new Resiliency Fund supports local nonprofits and helps to alleviate the social and economic consequences of the global pandemic, and to prevent the widening of disparities in education, employment, housing, and health.

Foundation for Community Health
CONSIDERED ON ROLLING BASIS THROUGH JUNE 8: COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Program >>
The initial phase of funding will focus on strengthening community safety nets, helping our most vulnerable community members with preparedness, and supporting organizations’ capacity for risk communications and/or telework solutions.

Funders’ Collaborative for Youth Organizing
REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS: COVID-19 Youth Organizing Rapid Response Fund >>
For organizations that will be working to support youth organizing groups that engage young people of color, low-income young people, and gender-oppressed young people, in collective action for social change. Grants will be up to $2,000 and determined by organizational budget and need. 

Greater Hartford Arts Council
JULY 24: Application deadline: Artist Emergency Relief Grants >>
This grant is designed to assist artists of all disciplines with loss of income from COVID-19 - Recouping financial loss due to canceled events: including performances, speaking gigs, readings, exhibitions, workshops, and festival/fairs; or loss of art sales.

Haymarket People’s Fund
Additional Funding on hold: Urgent Response Funding >>
In response to the current moment, Haymarket has increased its funding for urgent response grants to help grassroots, social change organizations respond quickly to unforeseen crises or opportunities that critically affect its organization and constituency.

Inner-City Foundation
ONGOING: Emergency Fund Addressing COVID-19 >>
The Emergency Fund is for programs in Fairfield County hit hardest by the impact of COVID-19, or programs created to directly address the pandemic in the area.

Edward and Mary Lord Foundation and Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition
AUGUST 15: Letter of Interest deadline: Lord Foundation Special Fund for Arts & Culture >>
The Fund will be used specifically for making grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located in New London County that have been affected by COVID-19.

Main Street Community Foundation
AUGUST 14: COVID-19 Response Fund >>
Phase 2 of Main Street Community Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund grant program is accepting applications for operating support grants to provide flexible general operating resources to nonprofit organizations affected by COVID-19. To apply for a grant, organizations who meet the above criteria must contact Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants & Programs, at kate@mainstreetfoundation.org or 860-583-6363 for a preliminary discussion at least 7 business days prior to the August 14, 2020 deadline.

Nellie Mae Education Foundation
ROLLING INQUIREY: Rapid Response Fund: Racism is a Virus Too >>
This fund was created to respond to the hate crimes and bias against Asian American communities resulting from COVID-19. The Foundation has allocated resources to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that provide services for AAPI communities. This grant opportunity is no longer open.

Perrin Family Foundation
MAY 8: Submission deadline: Youth Voice & COVID-19 >>
PFF is looking for submissions from young people from across Connecticut that will be shared on an ongoing basis on our social media platforms. Young people have been just as hard-hit by the economic impact of COVID-19, so all young people who submit an aligned submission will receive a stipend of $250. Due to the overwhelming response, new submissions are no longer being accepted.

Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition
New fund has not started granting: CultureSECT Economic Recovery Fund >>
The Cultural Coalition has established an economic recovery fund at the Community Foundation of Eastern CT in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The initiative will support the sustainability and recovery of arts & cultural institutions, including individual artists. The Cultural Coalition will manage the grant programs and review panel, and recommend awards to be made through the Community Foundation.

Samuel Adams and Greg Hill Foundation
Not accepting new applications: Restaurant Strong Fund >>
Grants to Connecticut restaurant workers who are impacted by closures due to COVID-19.

Tufts Health Care Plan Foundation
AUGUST 28: Schedule a time to speak before August 28: 2020 Momentum Fund Mini-grants >>
To give communities additional resources in this critical time, the Foundation's board voted to direct 2020 Momentum Fund mini-grants to support community resilience, retooling and rebuilding in response to COVID-19. The Momentum Fund will continue to provide one-year mini-grants of up to $10,000 to support communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Valley Community Foundation, Valley United Way, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Valley Health & Human Service Council
The grant is no longer accepting applications. Please stay tuned for the next grant period: Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund >>
The Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations throughout the Valley that serve the Valley region, especially to those who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak.

Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
ROLLING BASIS: Artist Relief.org >>
A coalition of more than twenty national arts funders, including Connecticut's Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, has launched an emergency relief fund that will provide millions of dollars to artists struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. The application cycles are April 8-23; April 24-May 20; May 21-June 17; June 18-July 22; and July 23-August 26. Recipients who demonstrate a documented loss of income will be chosen from a lottery process and anyone who is not selected for funding is eligible to apply for the later rounds.

United Way of Milford
ONGOING: COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund >>
United Way of Milford has launched the COVID-19 Response Fund to protect our most vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children and low-income families.

United Way of Western Connecticut
ONGOING: ALICE Emergency Fund >>
United Way of Western CT has launched the Fund to immediately address the urgent need of access to food for individuals and families living in the 15 cities and towns that they serve affected by COVID-19's catastrophic effect on its region. Read the FAQs for who is eligible >>  

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
ROLLING BASIS: United Way Neighbors in Need Fund >>
Funds for eligible organizations to apply for one-time funding to support residents who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. Priorities include organizations providing services that address basic human needs such as: food, shelter, safety from domestic violence/sexual assault, mental/physical health, rent/mortgage or utility assistance, or other identified needs; and organizations providing childcare to essential workers.

United Way of West Central Connecticut
United Way of West Central Connecticut has established the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to address the short- and long-term consequences of the pandemic.

The Willem de Kooning Foundation; the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation; Teiger Foundation; and the Cy Twombly Foundation
MAY 5-6; MAY 19-20; JUNE 2-3: Application cycle windows: Tri-State Relief Fund >>
The Tri-State Relief Fund (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) will support non-salaried workers in the Visual Arts with a one-time unrestricted cash grants of $2,000 each to freelance, contract, or non-salaried archivists, art handlers, artist/photographer’s assistants, cataloguers, database specialists, digital assets specialists, image scanners/digitizers, and registrars. The Fund is administered by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).